Billboard's 'Trending Up' Series Highlights Hip-Hop's Rising New Artists
Billboard's 'Trending Up' series introduces the most talked-about new acts in hip-hop. These artists are driving the genre's current conversations and trends.
The series spotlights two emerging hip-hop acts, Luh Tyler and Molly Santana, pairing their promotion with specific live performance dates. Luh Tyler is scheduled for an August 23rd show in Mesa, Arizona, while Molly Santana will perform in Los Angeles on August 27th.
The feature is presented by Sonesta International Hotels, which ties the artists' tour stops to nearby lodging options. The promotional partnership highlights amenities at specific properties, and the series promises to introduce additional artists in future installments.
This spotlight could influence early career trajectories for the featured artists by boosting their visibility among industry gatekeepers and early adopters. It may also affect concert attendance and local tourism in the highlighted cities, as the hotel partnership suggests a broader economic tie-in. For audiences, the series could shape taste-making, potentially accelerating the mainstream acceptance of these specific sounds, while also serving as a model for how media brands integrate commercial sponsorships into music discovery.